Bosque School, an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day school serving 365 students in grades sixth through twelve, located in beautiful Albuquerque, New Mexico, is seeking a full time Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO). As Bosque School’s Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO) you will play a pivotal role in helping our community manifest our mission, core values and strategic plan by providing leadership, oversight, and stewardship for all aspects of Bosque’s financial and external operations. Bosque School’s philosophy is Challenging Education and we are seeking a colleague who is inspired by our mission and educational approach and who will bring expertise and strategic and innovative thinking to support our efforts to inspire academic excellence and enhance access to a transformative independent education.
The CFOO ensures institutional integrity and sustainability on fiscal matters through the promotion of best practices in finance including budgeting, forecasting, managing investments and assets, annual audits, and financial reporting and education. The CFOO’s responsibilities also include overseeing facilities, maintenance, information technology, risk management, external revenue streams, and guiding the school’s operations.
The CFOO must display outstanding interpersonal, management, and leadership skills and have proven experience managing teams and success in collaborating across constituent groups.
STRATEGIC PLANNING RESPONSIBILITIES
The CFOO is a member of Bosque’s leadership team, reports directly to the Head of School, and works closely with the Bosque Board of Trustees to implement and execute our strategic plan and priorities.
Work closely with the Directors of Enrollment & Communications strategizing and supporting mission-aligned enrollment and financial aid.
Collaborate on the development and implementation of strategies to diversify the school’s revenue sources while enhancing educational opportunities.
Seek opportunities for enhanced efficiencies and effectiveness of business operations.
FINANCIAL PLANNING RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecast, institute and maintain other planning and control procedures, analyze and report variances.
Project cash requirements and invest cash to attain an appropriate return.
Collaborate with the finance committee to set tuition and oversee the school’s endowment portfolio and retirement plan assets.
Cultivate banking relationships; manage debt and bond covenant compliance.
Maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and mitigate potential liabilities for the school.
Ensure the school’s ability to plan, track, and adequately fund scheduled maintenance and manage the physical plant.
Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy to maintain records on all pledges and gifts received, and ensure compliance with donor restrictions. Monitor projected capital campaign cash sources and ensure availability of cash for planned projects.
ACCOUNTING, REPORTING AND AUDITING RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for compliance with all school, federal, state, and local procedures and regulations.
Maintain the school’s system of accounts to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; oversee the books and records on all school transactions; assure the general ledger accurately reflects the school’s financial position.
Review the monthly financial statements and verify performance of necessary accounting procedures (journal entry preparation, accruals, balance sheet reconciliation, etc.).
Submit monthly financial statements to the Head of School, Finance Committee, and the Board of Trustees; interpret reporting as needed.
Analyze financial status in relation to current budget, and prior year fiscal performance.
Provide financial reporting to the Director of Philanthropy on a monthly basis, including fundraising revenue data for reconciliation to the Philanthropy database.
Furnish internal and external accounting and cash reports as necessary (for example: Parents & Guardians Association, construction projects, bond compliance certificate, etc.).
Work with the Board's Finance Committee Chair to establish committee goals, meeting plans for the year, build agendas, etc. Compile and send financial attachments to the committees. Ensure appropriate information is shared with the full board.
Manage the process for the school’s annual audit and federal tax return, including the preparation of all requested schedules. Manage the review of the audit and tax return by the audit committee and the Board of Trustees.
Oversee collection activities for accounts more than 90 days past due, refer accounts for collection as needed, and work with the attorney on accounts turned over for litigation.
EMPLOYEE & COMMUNITY RELATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee the management of risk at the school to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the facilities.
Work in collaboration with the Head of School and Human Resources Director in making strategic and mission-aligned decisions regarding salaries and benefits for all personnel.
Provide accessible, engaging, and appropriate financial updates and education to the staffulty at bi-annual State of the School meetings. Support and coach department leaders and program directors in annual budgeting.
Represent the school at various regional, state, and national associations relative to the role of CFOO.
SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervise (hiring, training, coaching, performance evaluation) the Business Office staff (composed of a Controller and Accountant), Summer Program Coordinator, Director of Facilities, Director of Information Technology, School Nurse, and Learning Center Director. In partnership with the Facilities Director, oversee the contracts for third party vendors (security, janitorial, landscaping, and food service).
MISCELLANEOUS
In and outside of the office, model a commitment and growth mindset towards manifesting Bosque’s mission, core values, and Equity, Community, and Culture Principles & Best Practices. Demonstrate a commitment to working with culturally diverse students, families, and colleagues and contributing to building and maintaining an inclusive community.
Participate fully in the Bosque community, engaging in employee meetings, professional development, and supporting students, colleagues, families, and school culture and community.
Perform other duties, as assigned by the Head of School or the Board of Trustees, in alignment with core roles and responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Business or Accounting required, CPA and/or master’s degree strongly preferred.
Ideal candidates will possess at least five years of experience in a position of financial leadership, preferably in an educational and/or non-profit setting.
A strong understanding of complex financial instruments (accounting and finance) and proven experience developing financial strategies that support strategic priorities are essential.
Possess strong financial forecasting, modeling, and budget preparation skills.
Outstanding communication skills; ability to collaborate across constituent groups, managing both internal and external (vendor/banking) relationships, deliver effective financial and budget presentations/reports.
Excellent interpersonal skills with at least five years of proven leadership/management of teams.
Highly developed organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to identify opportunities or problems and implement appropriate solutions.
Experience with capital management is beneficial.
Experience with Sage and/or Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT (or comparable accounting software), Excel, Word and Google G-Suite required.
Discretion and respect for utmost confidentiality. The CFOO maintains and fosters the highest ethical standards, integrity and respect for the school community in the conduct of the school’s business.
Commitment to Bosque School’s mission and values and strategic priorities.
Bosque School, founded in 1994, is a non-profit, co-educational independent school serving approximately 400 students in grades 6-12, located in sunny, culturally dynamic, and affordable Albuquerque, New Mexico. We create transformative learning experiences that empower a diverse community of students to lead lives of intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, and compassionate contribution to a more just world. We manifest our mission through our core values of inspiring academic excellence, cultivating community, fostering integrity, and learning from place. Our dynamic, immersive, interdisciplinary learning environment challenges each student to think critically, creatively approach problems, and to collaborate effectively with cultural competence. Bosque School has consistently been voted the best private school in Albuquerque. Learn more and engage in a virtual tour of Bosque School at www.bosqueschool.org